Temporary Power Plant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chief Commissioning Engineer - Plant Automation

Wartsila Energy | Construction & Commissioning Services

Position Overview

Wartsila Energy's Construction and Commissioning Services team is seeking an experienced Chief Commissioning Engineer - Plant Automation to support the commissioning and startup of Wartsila power plant installations.

This is a travelintensive, fieldbased role focused on automation testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting across customer sites, primarily in the United States with occasional international travel.

The position is homeoffice based within the United States.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Automation & Commissioning

• Lead and execute automation testing and commissioning activities for Wartsila power plant installations

• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and corrective actions on Wartsila products and systems

• Supervise installation and commissioning of plant automation and control systems

• Support warranty activities and contribute to continuous improvement of new and existing products

• Diagnose system issues, perform adjustments, and support testing activities in accordance with engineering instructions and standards

• Verify, adjust, and validate system performance to meet operational and safety requirements

• Prepare and submit internal and customer-facing technical reports in line with Wartsila standards

Control Systems Engineering (Electrical & Automation)

• Work with PLC and automation platforms including:

  • Siemens Step 7

  • Siemens TIA Portal (V13 or higher)

  • Modicon Unity

• Configure and troubleshoot HMI systems and industrial networks

• Work with industrial networking technologies including IP networks, ring topologies, switches, and routers

• Support server and virtualization environments, including Microsoft HyperV

• Apply knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as CAN Bus, Modbus, and Profibus

• Collaborate with crossfunctional teams during commissioning and handover phases

Experience with Wartsila UNIC / sWOIS systems is considered a strong advantage.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering

• Strong practical experience in power plant automation systems, industrial control systems, HMI platforms, and industrial communication networks.

• Experience with Wartsila products is highly valued; however, we also welcome professionals with relevant expertise gained from comparable power generation, process automation, marine, energy, or industrial automation environments.

• Demonstrated ability to apply technical knowledge in commissioning, troubleshooting, system integration, and operational support within complex industrial facilities.

• Strong expertise in PLC programming, automation software, and industrial control systems

• Proven ability to work independently in dynamic and demanding field environments

• Proactive, analytical, and solutionoriented mindset with a strong focus on results

• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills

• Strong team orientation with the flexibility to collaborate across global and multicultural teams

Last application date: 10/09/2026 

Candidates for regular U.S and Puerto Rico positions must be a U.S. citizen, national, or an alien admitted as permanent resident, refugee, asylee with valid work permit or temporary resident under 8 U.S.C. 1160(a) or 1255a(1). Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H1B, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Individuals hired for positions that require on-site customer interactions and/or in-person travel may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or other country-specific vaccinations, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

Wartsila North America values our employees. We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Wartsila North America is an EOE/AA employer.

At Wartsila we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.

Effective January 2025, Wartsila companies in the USA have implemented a new hybrid work model. Most employees who live within 40 miles of an office will work 2 days per week in office. This model will provide our employees the flexibility of working from home, while also providing the benefits of in-person collaboration twice a week. We will be happy to provide more information during your interview process. 

Please note that according to Wartsila policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wartsila 

Wartsila is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.